The rules for items that can be transported by airline passengers
in the United States have changed recently. Our articles
presents a list of items and whether they can travel with you on your
vacation. In addition, we describe what can be carried aboard and what
can be included in checked luggage.

Travel Advice - Can I take it?

Can I take it?
* Determining whether items are banned or allowed
either in carry-on or "checked" luggage.

Air travel took a significant turn in August of 2006 when the
threat of a terrorist incident caused the authorities in the United
States to change the rules on what could be transported on
airplanes. We provide a table provided by the U.S. TSA showing whether items can be
taken along in carry-on or checked luggage.

After clearing security, travelers can now bring beverages and
other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board aircraft.

At the checkpoint travelers will be asked to remove the zip-top bag
of liquids and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt. X-raying
separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the
declared items.

In addition, larger amounts of prescription liquid medications, baby
formula and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared at the
checkpoint for additional screening.

It is unlikely that additional changes in the liquid, aerosol and gel
policy will be made in the near future.

This security regimen applies to all domestic and international
flights departing U.S. airports. Travelers should, however, check with
transportation security authorities in their country-of-origin for
flights originating at non - U.S. airports.

Due to enhanced security measures, except for the items described
above, larger amounts of liquids, gels, lotions and other items of
similar consistency brought from home will not be permitted in carry-on
baggage. These types of items must be packed in your checked baggage.
For more details see our article on the
rules for carry-ons.

Prohibited Items

As an added information source for passengers, you can also use the "Can
I Bring …?" tool from the My TSA iPhone and mobile app to get
information on an item you want to bring on a plane. Simply type the
name of the item in the box and you'll get information on whether or not
it's prohibited and other information to help you speed through
security. You can also access the tool from your mobile device if it has
a web browser.

NOTE: Starting April 25, 2013 TSA relaxed restrictions on certain
items previously prohibited as part of its ever evolving efforts to
focus on items that pose the highest threat. Relaxed restrictions will
apply to knives that do not lock, and have blades that are 2.36 inches
or 6 centimeters or less in length and are less than 1/2 inch in width,
novelty-sized and toy bats, billiard cues, ski poles, hockey sticks,
lacrosse sticks and two golf clubs as part of their carry-on baggage.

It’s important to know that even if an item is generally permitted,
it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the
checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears
to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final
decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane.
Also, please note that some dangerous items below are illegal in certain
states and passengers will be subject to state law. It is a passenger’s
responsibility to be aware that origination and destination cities may
have local laws prohibiting the possession of these items

Ammunition - Check with your airline or travel agent to see
if ammunition is permitted in checked baggage on the airline you
are flying. Small arms ammunitions for personal use must be
securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes or other packaging
specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ask
about limitations or fees, if any, that apply.
Read TSA's Firearms & Ammunition section.

Starter Pistols - can only be carried as checked baggage and
MUST be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and
declared to the airline at check-in.
Read TSA's Firearms & Ammunition section.

NO

OK

NOTE: Check with your airline
or travel agent to see if firearms are permitted in checked
baggage on the airline you are flying. Ask about limitations or
fees, if any, that apply.

*Permitted in checked baggage only if it does
not contain lighter fluid.

Self Defense Sprays - One 4 ounce (118ml) container of mace
or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage provided it is
equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental
discharge. Self Defense Sprays containing more than 2% by mass
of Tear Gas (CS or CN) are prohibited in Checked Baggage. For
more information visit
www.faa.gov., click on Passengers, then Preparing to Fly.

NO

OK

Martial Arts Weapons

NO

OK

Night Sticks

NO

OK

Nunchucks

NO

OK

Stun Guns/Shocking Devices

NO

OK

Throwing Stars

NO

OK

NOTE: Any sharp objects in
checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to
prevent injury to baggage handlers and Security Officers.

Common Lighters - Lighters without fuel are
permitted in checked baggage. Lighters with fuel are prohibited
in checked baggage, unless they adhere to the Department of
Transportation (DOT) exemption, which allows up to two fueled
lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case. If you are
uncertain as to whether your lighter is prohibited, please leave
it at home.

OK

NO

Torch Lighters - Torch lighters create a thin, needle-like
flame that is hotter (reaching 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit) and
more intense than those from common lighters. Torch lighters are
often used for pipes and cigars, and maintain a consistent
stream of air-propelled fire regardless of the angle at which it
is held. Torch lighters continue to be banned.

NO

NO

Strike-anywhere Matches - One book of
safety (non-strike anywhere) matches are permitted as carry-on
items, but all matches are prohibited in checked baggage.

NO

NO

Flammable Paints (See Other Items below for non-flammable
paints)

NO

NO

Turpentine and Paint Thinner

NO

NO

Realistic Replicas of Incendiaries

NO

NO

NOTE: There are other hazardous
materials that are regulated by the FAA. This information is
summarized at
www.faa.gov,
click on Passengers, then Preparing to Fly.

Disabling Chemicals & Other Dangerous
Items

Carry-on?

Checked?

Chlorine for Pools and Spas

NO

NO

Small compressed gas cartridges
(Up to 2 in life vests and 2 spares. The spares must accompany
the life vests and presented as one unit)

*Screening procedures are governed by federal law
and designed to detect threats to aviation security. TSA officers do
not search for marijuana or other drugs; however, if an item is
found that may violate federal law during security screening, TSA
will refer the matter to law enforcement. Whether or not marijuana
is considered medical marijuana federal law provides no basis to
treat medical marijuana differently than non-medical marijuana.

**Snow globes that appear to contain less than 3.4
ounces (approximately tennis ball size) will be permitted if the
entire snow globe, including the base, is able to fit in the same
one clear, plastic, quart-sized, re-sealable bag, as the passenger’s
other liquids, such as shampoo, toothpaste and cosmetics.